As the priest's hand rose, a brilliant flame erupted in the center of the circle, its radiant glow bathing the chamber in golden light. The blessed instinctively shielded their eyes, the intensity of the flame both mesmerizing and terrifying.
"This holy fire," the priest declared, his voice prideful, "will not only purge the unworthy but will draw forth your true potential. Fear it not—it is the greatest blessing for those who are truly deserving."
The fire flickered as if alive, its form shifting. Slowly, it took on a human shape—a breathtaking woman, her presence both graceful and commanding. Her fiery hair cascaded down her back, her elegant dress woven from threads of pure light. Her eyes, swept over the gathered blessed, piercing through them as though she could see into their very souls.
Some of the blessed gasped, awe and fear mingling in their expressions. Baro couldn't help but stare, his hand frozen mid-stroke on Furfur's fur. Even the usually unflappable wolf pup sat still, as if entranced by the fiery apparition.
The flame-woman raised her hand, her voice ethereal and melodic, yet carrying a weight that made the air seem heavier.
"Each of you holds a potential, a truth within your soul," she said, her words reverberating in the minds of the blessed. "But to unlock it, you must confront the essence of who you are. Step forward, one at a time, and face me. Only those who endure will be deemed worthy."
The priest gestured to the first blessed, a trembling young man who hesitated before rising from his seat. His steps were slow and uncertain as he approached the fiery figure.
"You fear failure," the flame-woman said, her voice gentle yet unyielding. "Your heart is weighed down by doubt."
"No… I can do this!" the young man stammered, his voice breaking as he fell to his knees.
The fire swirled around him, wrapping him. For a moment, it seemed he might overcome, but his screams broke the stillness. The flames burned brighter, then dimmed. The light in his chest flickered out. his ashes fell next to her heels.
"Unworthy," the flame-woman intoned, her tone cruel lacking and form of kindness.
The priest stepped forward, gesturing for the guards to remove the young man's ashes from her presence.
Baro swallowed hard, his heart pounding. "So this is what the second trial is," he muttered.
The flame-woman's eyes turned to the next blessed, who rose shakily, muttering a prayer under her breath.
One by one, the blessed stepped forward, each confronting their inner fears, regrets, and desires. Some fell to the fire, their links severed, their bodies dragged away.
When it was Orynn's turn, he stood without hesitation, his gaze steady as he faced the fiery figure.
"You are haunted by ghosts of the past," the flame-woman said, her voice soft yet cutting. "Do you carry them as chains, or do they fuel your ascent?"
Orynn's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "They are neither chains nor fuel," he replied, his voice firm. "They are lessons. Nothing more, nothing less."
The flames surged around him, testing him, probing his mind. Memories of his mother, and the moments of pain he endured flashed before him. Yet Orynn remained unmoved, his resolve like an unbreakable wall.
The fire dimmed, retreating from him. "Worthy, you can go back to your seat!" the flame-woman said, a faint smile gracing her lips.
Baro felt his heart leap in anticipation. He was next.
The priest's gaze locked on him. "Next!" he called.
Baro rose, his legs steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within him. Furfur barked softly, as if offering encouragement.
Stepping forward, Baro faced the fiery woman, her eyes now fixed solely on him.
"And you," she said, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "What lies within your heart?".
As they reached the center, the flame-woman's fiery gaze shifted. For a moment, she seemed to falter. Her radiant eyes widened, and an expression of profound respect overtook her ethereal face as she blinked repeatedly.
"Your companion…" she said, her voice now reverent, "I did not expect to see such a divine presence here."
Baro blinked, confused. He glanced down at Furfur, his tail stood tall.
The priest's brows furrowed, his earlier confidence wavering. "Divine presence? What do you mean?" he asked, his tone edged with disbelief.
The flame-woman did not answer him. Instead, she lowered herself gracefully, kneeling before Furfur, her blazing hair pooling around her like molten gold.
"Esteemed one," she addressed the creature, her tone filled with reverence, "it is an honor to stand in your presence. Your holiness radiates beyond measure."
Baro's jaw dropped. "Wait… Furfur?"
Furfur tilted his head, letting out a soft yip, his expression one of casual indifference.
The priest stepped forward, his confusion evident. "What nonsense is this? That… that creature is a mere beast!" he exclaimed, pointing at Furfur.
The flame-woman rose to her full height, her fiery form flaring as she turned to face the priest. Her expression hardened, her voice now a commanding roar.
"Silence, mortal! Do not speak so carelessly of one who walks with such divine grace. You are blind to his true nature."
The priest recoiled, his face paling as he stammered, "I… I didn't realize…"
Baro couldn't help but chuckle nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Uh… well, Furfur's always been pretty special. I just didn't know he was that special."
The flame-woman turned her gaze back to Baro, her tone softening. "You are fortunate to walk beside him. It seems his presence shields and strengthens you. Perhaps that is why you have come this far. I too wish to walk besides him, yet I cannot leave these holy grounds."
Baro grinned, feeling a surge of pride. "Yeah, Furfur's the best. Aren't you, buddy?"
Furfur barked again, his tail standing even taller as if to confirm.
The flame-woman extended her hand toward Furfur, a gesture of deep respect. "Your guidance elevates this trial, honored one. May your light continue to illuminate the path."
The other blessed whispered among themselves, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion. Even Orynn, who rarely showed emotion, raised an eyebrow.
Baro, now emboldened by the unexpected revelation, looked back at the flame-woman. "So, uh, does this mean I pass the trial? Or do I still need to face the fire?"
The flame-woman smiled faintly. "Your connection to him is proof of your worth. But the trial is not merely a test—it is a lesson. Step forward, let the flames guide your path.